So, they decide to pass. You might not realize it, but failing to keep your profile current could translate to some major missed dating opportunities.
Fortunately for you, we tapped a few experts to find out how often you should update your dating app profile.
“Your profile should be updated so that it’s an accurate representation of who you are,” says Marisa T. Cohen, PhD, LMFT, dating and relationships expert at the dating app Hily.
After all, you wouldn’t want to attract someone who’s interested in the version of you from a year ago — they may not be compatible with who you are now, given that your interests, goals, and priorities are probably ever-shifting.
But that’s not the only reason you should be updating your profile periodically.
“Each time you make an update, apps often boost your profile visibility for a short period, making it a great way to get fresh eyes on your profile,” says Jaime Bronstein, relationship expert at Dating.com.
That’s right — even changing just a few words or swapping out one single photo could mean you get seen by more potential matches.
RELATED: How to Write an Online Dating Profile
With that in mind, here’s what the experts say about how often you should be doing a profile refresh — plus some tips for success.
How Often You Should Update Your Dating App Profile
There’s no hard or fast rule on how often you should need to your dating app profile, says Cohen. That’s because, ideally, you should consider an update any time there’s something new to add. During a busy summer, you may find that you have lots of new photos to share, in which case you might be doing a quick refresh every week. During slower seasons, or when you’re undergoing fewer changes, it’s totally OK to update a little less frequently.
If you’ve experienced a major milestone or transition such as graduating from school, moving cities, or changing career paths, that should be reflected in your profile bio ASAP, says Cohen.
“And if you’ve recently dyed your hair or gotten glasses, include a new photo,” she adds. “You want the person you meet to feel as if the relationship is starting off based on mutual trust. The person that they go on a date with should look like the person they saw in the app.”
Scott Valdez, co-founder and CEO of Ari and founder of the matchmaking service VIDA Select, tells AskMen that as a general guideline, it’s a good idea to change something on your profile every month or so.
“After optimizing more than 12,000 dating profiles at VIDA Select, we found that regular updates can enhance match rates by as much as 30%,” he explains.
Tips for Updating Your Dating App Profile
When it does come time to make an update, heed these tips to optimize your profile.
1. Upload the Maximum Number of Photos
Some dating apps only let you upload six photos. Others allow you to include 10. Whatever that number is, make sure you’ve maxed out. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this is your chance to show off every facet of your personality and lifestyle that you’d want any potential match to know about.
“Profiles with photos simply get more hits,” says Cohen.
And aim for variety here — consider choosing a few where you’re in a social setting, a few more where you’re engaging in a hobby you love, one that shows you at work, and one more conversation starter from an amazing experience during your recent travels. Most of your photos should be solo shots so people can tell who you are, but it’s also fine to include a group shot or two.
RELATED: Worst Online Dating Profile Mistakes to Make
Another pro tip?
“Switch up the order of your photos occasionally — sometimes, a new lead image gets better results!” adds Bronstein.
2. Make Sure Your Intentions Are Clear
Maybe last summer you were only looking for a fun fling, but now you’re finding yourself yearning for a serious relationship. It’s super important to make sure your profile always reflects your current dating intentions, or you might accidentally mislead people.
“This allows you to focus on matches who are looking for the same things you are,” explains Bronstein.
While you’re at it, Bronstein notes that it’s a good idea to be upfront about your communication style and preferences. If you’d rather skip the digital pen pal phase and meet up ASAP to see if you “click,” just say that. Most likely, your fellow swipers will appreciate your forthcomingness.
3. Keep Your Content Timely
Whenever there’s a change of season, it’s a good idea to consider how you can make your profile more relevant.
“Be strategic with timing,” says Valdez. “For example, show off your Halloween pumpkin-carving skills in November and your ski trips in January. This proves you’re living a life worth sharing, and it will draw in more interest.”
In other words, fall is a great time to indicate that you’re looking for a date to all those upcoming holiday parties, and spring is a great time to mention that you plan to spend a lot of time on your boat this summer.
4. Treat It Like an Experiment
“Updating is a great way to experiment a little bit,” says Valdez. “One of our clients went from occasional matches to consistent conversations simply by swapping his serious headshot for a candid laughing profile picture,” adds Valdez.
Start to take notice of what works and what doesn’t when you update your profile. Did that one corny joke seem to draw in a lot of messages? Did you get far more matches when you mentioned that you’re in a local adult hockey league? This kind of information is invaluable as you keep tweaking your profile over time.
You Might Also Dig:
How to Use Tinder for Hooking Up (and More)Best Dating Apps for RelationshipsThe Most Common Mistakes Guys Make on Tinder